Alberto Dainese, Valentin Paret-Peintre and Jasper Stuyven will all be in action for The Wolfpack between 8-15 March.
Over the years, our team has left its mark on a large number of stage races, and one of these is Paris-Nice. Created in 1933, when it linked the French capital to the city that Henri Matisse called home, the event known also as “The Race to the Sun” has witnessed the Wolfpack win a total of 20 stages, the most recent of which were notched up by Tim Merlier.
This year’s edition will feature around 1250 kilometers of racing, 27 classified climbs and more than 16000 meters of elevation, making for a demanding eight days of racing in early March. Unlike previous years, there won’t be too many opportunities for the sprinters, as the puncheurs and climbers will be favoured by the course that is set to include also an undulating 23.5km team time trial. Together with Auron, coming on the penultimate stage, and the up-and-down final day around Nice – which this year is different – the TTT is expected to shape the general classification of this 84th edition.
Soudal Quick-Step will travel to the start of Paris-Nice with a team that can get involved in the fight for results regardless of the terrain or the scenario: Steff Cras, Alberto Dainese, Pascal Eenkhoorn, Valentin Paret-Peintre – who will make his debut in this race – Casper Pedersen, Jasper Stuyven, and Bert Van Lerberghe.
“The course is a bit tricky, and the wind could play an important role, leading to echelons on some of the days, so it remains to be seen how things will go. The squad for next week is a strong one and we are really looking forward to the race. There will be opportunities for both Valentin and Steff, but also Alberto could get involved in the fight for a good result, as he can handle some of the tough sprints. We’re happy to see Jasper back in action; he returns from illness and in the first few days will try to get back into the rhythm, but overall, Paris-Nice should be a good experience for him as he continues to build his form”, said sports director Tom Steels.
Photo credit: ©Wout Beel
